Run-spiration

Yes, there's perspiration, but today I mean to tell you about running inspiration.  Specifically, my running inspiration.

When I began training for my first marathon, I didn't enjoy running.  Quite the opposite.  It was a way for me to get in my exercise in the most efficient way, to aim for a goal, and to participate in a fun group activity (but preparing on my own time!).  I have my ups and downs and days I don't want to run, but on crisp fall NYC days like today, I love it and love that I get to be outside, enjoying the day and the beautiful views.

But back to starting out- those first few miles weren't so easy.  Here are a few of the people who helped along the way:

Hal Higdon

Hal is the most influential marathon icon for me, in that I've utilized his training programs for every marathon.  They're free, simple 18 week schedules that I just copy into my phone or a simple paper calendar.  Finally a use for those free calendars that come with magazines!  I started on the Novice schedule, but have worked my way up to Intermediate II, which has 2 20 milers in there.  He offers guidance and tips for every week, if you need support or advice on those gnarly cramps or stretching.

Also he's just an awesome runner dude, who also makes some dope art.  Hal's the real deal.

Christopher McDougall

Born to Run made me think way more about running: my technique, the history & mechanics, and other runners and their stories.  If you haven't read it, you should.  It's "A Hidden Tribe, Super Athletes, and the Greatest Race the World has Never Seen"- the story of the Tarahumara Indians, who run naturally, expertly, and at great lengths through the Copper Canyons of Mexico.  McDougall explores their culture, and mixes in his own narrative most entertainingly.  He changed the way I run.  

Kathrine Switzer

Kathrine has run 39 marathons, won several and is an all around great spokesperson for running.  But the story that most impresses me is how she was the first female to run the Boston Marathon in 1967.  She just jumped on in there, challenging the race officials and changing the ethos of women's athletics at a time that dudes desperately needed a female kick in the butt.  She talks about how people thought that if women ran marathons, their uteruses would fall out.  Yes, she was a wakeup call.